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Government loans for students

Australian citizens, permanent humanitarian visa holders and students can access Government loans including HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, SA-HELP and OS-HELP to assist them in paying for their tuition fees, overseas study expenses, student services and amenities fees, providing they meet all the eligibility requirements.

The Australian Government's proposed higher education reform package remains in the Senate. The Government is currently considering options as reforming the higher education system remains a priority, both to maintain and enhance Australia's world-class higher education sector, and to ensure future funding arrangements remain sustainable, in line with the reforms announced in the 2017-18 Budget. For current information, visit the Government's reform package webpage.

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is a subsidised place at University*. The Government subsidises a Commonwealth supported place by paying part of the fees directly to the provider and the Commonwealth supported student pays the reminder of the fees through a 'student contribution'.

*CSPs are available at all public Universities and a few private higher education provides in some national priority areas.

HECS-HELP

Australian citizens and permanent humanitarian visa holders enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place can access a HECS-HELP loan to pay their student contribution amount, providing they meet all of the eligibility requirements.

FEE-HELP

Australian citizens and permanent humanitarian visa holders enrolled in full fee paying places at approved higher education providers may access a FEE-HELP loan to pay their tuition fees, providing they meet all the eligibility requirements.

SA-HELP

Australian citizens and permanent humanitarian visa holders can access a SA-HELP loan to pay their student services and amenities fee.

OS-HELP

Australian citizens and permanent humanitarian visa holders enrolled in an undergraduate Commonwealth supported place can access an OS-HELP loan to pay some of their overseas study expenses, providing they meet all the eligibility requirements.

From 1 January 2017 VET FEE‑HELP will cease and VET Student Loans will commence. For more information visit VET Student Loans.